Qimin Yaoshu

Qímín Yàoshù (simplified Chinese: 齐民要术; traditional Chinese: 齊民要術; literally: "Essential techniques for the welfare of the people"）is the most completely preserved of the ancient Chinese agricultural texts, and was written by the Northern Wei Dynasty official Jia Sixie.[1][2][3] The book is believed to have been completed in the second year of Wu Ding of Eastern Wei, 544 C.E., while another account gives the completion between 533 and 544 C.E.

Since the publication of the book, historical Chinese governments have long attached great importance to it. Since the book spread overseas it has also often been considered a classic text to study changes in species. When Charles Darwin was researching the theory of evolution he made reference to an "Encyclopedia of Ancient China". It is said that the book he referenced was in fact Qí mín yào shù. The book's name "Qí mín yào shù" can be explained as "techniques by which common people make their livelihood", but can also be explained as "techniques to harness the people's livelihood".